Local Girl Inspires Park Clean-Up

After walking through Silver Lake Park in Baldwin multiple times with her family, 11-year-old Zoie Napolitano, an Oceanside resident, was upset by all of the garbage in and around the lake.

“It wasn’t fair to the animals,” said Zoie. “So I wrote a letter to Senator Todd Kaminsky because I needed to be the animals’ voice.”

In Zoie’s letter, she asked Kaminsky what he could do to cleanup the park and provide residents and wildlife alike with a cleaner, more enjoyable park.

“He actually responded to my letter, called me, and then organized a clean up.”

“When I received Zoie’s letter, I knew I had to act,” said Kaminsky. “I was inspired by her deep concern for the park’s wildlife and told her that I would organize a community cleanup.”

On Saturday, Sept. 17, Zoie, Kaminsky and the Baldwin and Oceanside communities joined forces for a community cleanup. The entire community pitched in, including Boy Scouts, sports teams, teachers and community leaders. The cleanup was co-sponsored by Kaminsky, Assemblyman Brian Curran, Legislator Laura Curran, Operation SPLASH, NY American Water, SUEZ, the Baldwin Civic Association, Gala Fresh Farms and Empire Kayaks.

“The Baldwin and Oceanside communities rallied together today to make a difference in our community,” said Kaminsky. “In just a few hours, we were able to cleanup the park. Today proves that our young people can be a catalyst for big change.”

“Today was really special,” Zoie added. “It was nice to see people come together to help. The park looked so much better when we finished. I just wonder how we can keep it that way. I want to thank Senator Kaminsky for taking an 11-year-old seriously.”

“It is an honor to work closely with our partners in government keeping Baldwin a thriving, revitalized community,” said Assemblyman Brian Curran. “We will always continue to do just that.”

Photos: Senator Todd Kaminsky's Office.